It’s flu season, and as of Friday, there were 13 confirmed local cases of influenza. And Ketchikan Medical Center was waiting for test results on 15 additional cases.
Infection Preventionist Pamela Standley said she expects at least half of those results to come back positive. She said all known cases so far have been the H1N1 strain, also called “swine flu.”
The hospital urged people to get a flu shot. It’s not too late in the season, and protection against H1N1 is included in the current vaccine. Locally, vaccinations are available at some pharmacies, from primary care providers and at the Ketchikan Public Health Center.
If you do suspect you have the flu, Standley recommends staying home to minimize spreading the disease.
